2024 PBA Mock Draft
The story of the 2024 PBA Draft can be summed up in four words: The odyssey is over.
Like an army of homesick soldiers in a Homeric epic, this year’s headliners have taken long, agonizing routes to get to their destination. Some of them fought battles—physical and otherwise—on foreign soil, while others sharpened their tools by maxing out their college stint.
A few even had to overcome career-threatening injuries. The warriors that they are, they showed such fearlessness that perhaps even Achilles (pun intended) would have backed down.
And then, there’s the rest of the field—a fleet of hungry combatants who’ve traveled far and wide to win glory in Asia’s first professional league. They’re far from legendary status, but they’re deadset on proving that the PBA is their home.
Let’s take a stab at predicting who gets to walk inside those doors.
ROUND 1
1. JUSTINE BALTAZAR | Converge FiberXers
Hometown: Mabalacat City, Pampanga
Age: 27
Height: 6’8
Position: C
Experience: De La Salle Green Archers (UAAP), Hiroshima Dragonflies (Japan B.League), Pampanga Lanterns (MPBL), Gilas Pilipinas
Strengths: Scoring from the low post, perimeter shooting, rim protection, rebounding
Accomplishments: UAAP Champion (2016), 3x UAAP Mythical Five (2018, 2019, 2022), MPBL Champion (2023), MPBL Most Valuable Player (2023), MPBL Finals MVP (2023)
Here’s another four words to describe Justine Baltazar: It’s about damn time. Whether this is a well-executed yearlong plan or simply great timing is immaterial at this point—Balti is, hands down, the best rookie prospect to become a franchise cornerstone in this year’s Draft. A monster in the paint on both ends of the floor, Baltazar can control pace and create open looks that Converge’s shooters have not seen in a long time. And, to the delight of his old college coach Aldin Ayo, his perimeter shooting has become more reliable after his stints with Gilas, Hiroshima, and the Pampanga Lanterns.
2. SEDRICK BAREFIELD | Blackwater Bossing
Hometown: Corona, California, USA
Age: 27
Height: 6’2
Position: PG
Experience: Southern Methodist University Mustangs (NCAA Division I), Utah Utes (NCAA Division I), OKC Blue (NBA G League), Nevėžis Kėdainiai (Lithuanian Basketball League), Apollon Patras (Greek A2 Basket League), Tainan TSG GhostHawks (T1 League), Bay Area Dragons (East Asia Super League)
Strengths: Speed, ball handling, slashing, shooting
Accomplishments: All-Pac-12 First Team (2019), third-place finish in the EASL Champions Week (2023)
More often than not in the PBA Draft, availability trumps team needs. Case in point: Despite a frontcourt that could use an upgrade, Blackwater would be wise to take Sedrick Barefield with the second pick. Barefield’s lofty resume speaks for itself—two stints in the NBA G League, pro action in Europe, and stopovers in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Barefield can help the Bossing right away, as he’s the type of seasoned shotmaker that defenders can neither speed up nor slow down.
RELATED: Sedrick Barefield declares for 2024 PBA Draft

3. KAI BALLUNGAY | Terrafirma Dyip
Hometown: Tracy, California, USA
Age: 22
Height: 6’7
Position: SF/PF
Experience: Cal State Stanislaus Warriors (NCAA Division II), Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles (UAAP)
Strengths: Outside shooting, rebounding, slashing, athleticism
Accomplishments: UAAP Champion (2022), leading scorer in school history (Kimball High School in Tracy, CA), 2x high school MVP (2017-2019)
For the first time in forever, Terrafirma has the makings of a solid core in Juami Tiongson, Isaac Go, and last year’s top pick Stephen Holt. Kai Ballungay would be a welcome addition to this ensemble, as his size and creative skill set can accelerate the Dyip’s progress. From crashing the boards and scoring in the paint to spacing the floor with his outside shot, this former UAAP champion can beef up Terrafirma’s frontcourt after Javi Gomez de Liaño’s departure.
RELATED: Ateneo’s winning culture to guide Ballungay’s PBA career
4. CAELAN TIONGSON | Phoenix Fuelmasters
Hometown: Pomona, California, USA
Age: 32
Height: 6’5
Position: SF
Experience: Biola Eagles (NCAA Division II), Chong Son Kung Fu (ABL), San Miguel Alab Pilipinas (ABL), Taoyuan Leopards (T1 League)
Strengths: Basketball IQ, playmaking, shooting
Accomplishments: High school champion in La Verne, California (2010), All-GSAC and NAIA All-American recognition (2017), ABL semifinals (2018)
For all its bright stars of the future—such as Tyler Tio, Ricci Rivero, and Ken Tuffin—Phoenix needs an established star who can balance out the roster with veteran know-how. Enter Caelan Tiongson, a 32-year-old pro who starred in the ABL, retired, then un-retired to play in Taiwan. Coach Jamike Jarin will find many ways to harness Tiongson, an unselfish player who easily finds open teammates and knows when to take over the scoring load.
RELATED: Draft prospect Tiongson desires PBA team that will take care of him

Photo: UAAP Media Team
5. JONNEL POLICARPIO | Northport Batang Pier
Hometown: Pampanga
Age: 22
Height: 6’5
Position: PF
Experience: Mapua Red Robins (NCAA), De La Salle Green Archers (UAAP)
Strengths: Size, athleticism, inside scoring, shooting
Accomplishments: UAAP Champion (2023), NCAA Juniors Mythical Five (2019), NCAA Juniors Defensive Player of the Year (2019), NCAA Champion (2018), NCAA Juniors Rookie of the Year (2018)
With JM Calma sidelined due to an ACL injury, the Batang Pier have a gaping hole to fill in their frontcourt. As fate would have it, a 6-foot-5 forward from the defending UAAP champions decided to join the pro ranks ahead of schedule. With his length and agility, Jonnel Policarpio can make good things happen for Northport in the paint and on the perimeter. Poli, Will Navarro, and Zavier Lucero would be a troika of nightmare matchups for opposing wings and big men.
6. BRANDON RAMIREZ | NLEX Road Warriors
Hometown: Lubao, Pampanga
Age: 26
Height: 6’5
Position: SF/PF
Experience: York University Lions (Ontario University Athletics), Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas (FIBA 3×3), MCFASolver Tech Centrale (PBA 3×3), Pampanga Lanterns (MPBL)
Strengths: Midrange shooting, scoring from the low post, rebounding
Accomplishments: PBA 3×3 Champion (2024), PBA 3×3 top scorer of the conference (2023),
This will be the first Draft selection in the Jong Uichico era, and the Road Warriors won’t go wrong with a burly big man who’s money from midrange. Since his college days in Canada, Brandon Ramirez has been a proficient catch-and-shoot threat, whether he’s spotting up or coming off cuts. Plus, like a certain Brandon used to do for NLEX, Ramirez can operate in the post and bulldoze his way to an easier shot.
7. BEN PHILLIPS | Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
Hometown: Fairfield, Ohio, USA
Age: 25
Height: 6’5
Position: PF/C
Experience: De La Salle Green Archers (UAAP)
Strengths: Size, shooting, rebounding, hustle
Accomplishments: UAAP Champion (2023), SEA Games gold medal (2023), PBA D-League Champion (2022, 2023)
The eldest of the multitalented Phillips bros fits every description on the Yeng Guiao Big Man Checklist. Hardworking and physical? Check. Unafraid to shoot from the outside? Yep. Tough enough to endure a tongue-lashing day in and day out? You bet. Phillips’ game can be compared to that of Carlo Sharma, another DLSU alum who played the role of stretch five for Coach Yeng two decades ago.
RELATED: La Salle’s Benjamin Phillips joins PBA Draft
8. PAO JAVILLONAR | Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
Hometown: Laoag City
Height: 6’6
Position: PF/C
Experience: NUNS Bullpups (UAAP), CSB Blazers (NCAA), Letran Knights (NCAA), Caloocan Excellence (Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational), San Juan Knights (MPBL)
Strengths: Size, speed, inside scoring, rebounding
Accomplishments: NCAA Champion (2019, 2021, 2022), UAAP Juniors Champion (2018), NBTC Champion (2018, 2019)
What’s better than one quality big man drafted in the first round? Two quality big men, of course. Pao Javillonar brings a championship pedigree to Rain or Shine after winning three straight NCAA titles with the Letran Knights. A long-limbed defender who can run the floor well, Javillonar can help protect the rim for a team desperately looking to stop June Mar Fajardo. And, as if inspired by the infamous RoS coach, he happens to have a bag of mind tricks that drive opposing centers crazy.
9. RJ ABARRIENTOS | Magnolia Hotshots
Birthplace: Quezon City
Age: 24
Height: 5’10
Position: PG
Experience: FIBA 3×3, FEU Tamaraws (UAAP), Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus (KBL), Shinshu Brave Warriors (Japan B.League), Gilas Pilipinas
Strengths: Speed, ball handling, playmaking, finishing at the rim
Accomplishments: KBL Rookie of the Year (2023), KBL semifinals
Talk about balikbayan: RJ Abarrientos makes a grand entrance into the PBA after productive stints in South Korea and Japan. Like his uncle Johnny, RJ is the human equivalent of a YouTube sizzle reel—a complete package of masterful ball handling and shotmaking maneuvers that refuse to heed gravity. Magnolia’s point guard rotation is far from the youngest in the league, which means that Flying A 2.0 could be the Hotshots’ floor general of the future.
RELATED: RJ Abarrientos declares for 2024 PBA Draft
10. CJ CANSINO | Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
Hometown: Valenzuela
Age: 24
Height: 6’2
Position: SG
Experience: UST Growling Tigers (UAAP), UP Fighting Maroons (UAAP), Iloilo United Royals (MPBL)
Strengths: Shooting, slashing, transition, crunch-time experience
Accomplishments: UAAP Champion (2022), UAAP Rookie of the Year (2018), UAAP Juniors MVP (2018)
With the injuries to Jamie Malonzo and Jeremiah Gray, Ginebra needs to add firepower to their wing position. Late in the first round, that spark could come from CJ Cansino, whose offensive arsenal includes transition threes, midrange pull-ups, and smooth running jumpers. Cansino’s wide catalog of shot selection will help him thrive in the intricate system that is Tim Cone’s triangle offense.
RELATED: Under the hood with CJ Cansino
11. JEROM LASTIMOSA | Meralco Bolts
Hometown: Dumaguete
Age: 26
Height: 5’11
Position: PG
Experience: Adamson Soaring Falcons (UAAP), Strong Group (Dubai Invitational), Gilas Pilipinas
Strengths: Finishing at the rim, outside shooting, clutch, playmaking
Accomplishments: SEA Games gold medal (2023), college jersey retirement (Adamson University)
In an alternate universe, Jerom Lastimosa gets taken off the board early in the first round. (There’s yet another reality in which Lastimosa signs a pro contract elsewhere, but that’s another story.) Alas, the former King Falcon is battling to overcome an ACL injury that hurts his draft stock. No matter—the Meralco Bolts, fresh off their conquest of the Philippine Cup, could afford to wait. The Bolts know fully well that they’d be getting a crafty combo guard who consistently comes through in the clutch.
RELATED: Lastimosa, Torres among other standouts joining 2024 PBA Draft
12. EVAN NELLE | San Miguel Beermen
Hometown: Muntinlupa
Age: 26
Height: 5’11
Position: PG
Experience: San Beda Red Lions (NCAA), De La Salle Green Archers (UAAP)
Strengths: Playmaking, shooting, leadership, clutch
Accomplishments: UAAP Champion (2023), UAAP Mythical 5 (2023), NCAA Champion (2018), NCAA Mythical 5 (2019)
When all is said and done, this may very well be the steal of the Draft: two-time collegiate champion Evan Nelle going to San Miguel at the end of the first round. As a playmaker and scoring threat, Nelle—who played two seasons with San Beda and three with La Salle—is as PBA-ready as can be. The cherry on top: He gets to pick the brains of Chris Ross, Terrence Romeo, and a host of other PBA champions in that SMB locker room.
RELATED: LOOK: Nelle, Alapag train in Sacramento to prepare for PBA Draft
ROUND 2
13. CJ PAYAWAL | Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
Hometown: Illinois, USA
Age: 27
Height: 6’5
Position: SG/SF
Experience: St. Xavier University (NAIA), UE Red Warriors (UAAP), Manila Chooks (FIBA 3×3), Valenzuela Classics (MPBL)
Strengths: Spot-up shooting, perimeter defense
Accomplishments: FIBA 3×3 quarters (2023)
With the first pick in the second round, Coach Yeng can once again snag a skilled big man who can shoot at a high clip. That’s because CJ Payawal, a 6-foot-5 forward with UAAP and MPBL experience, could still be available at this point. Payawal may very well be the next under-the-radar stud who blossoms in Coach Yeng’s system.
14. DAVE ILDEFONSO | Northport Batang Pier
Birthplace: Mandaluyong
Age: 24
Height: 6’3
Position: SG
Experience: National University Bulldogs (UAAP), Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles (UAAP), Suwon KT Sonicboom (KBL), Gilas Pilipinas
Strengths: Outside shooting, midrange shooting, inside scoring
Accomplishments: UAAP Champion (2017, 2022)
The Batang Pier are pretty much set with their wings, but they could use an explosive guard to pair with Fran Yu. That would be Dave Ildefonso, a deceptively agile gunner whose finesse is definitely reminiscent of Lakay. Dave’s sojourn in South Korea has given him an extra level of toughness to complement the fundamentals instilled by Tab Baldwin at Ateneo.
15. MIGGY CORTEZA | Terrafirma Dyip
Hometown: Silay, Negros Occidental
Age: 26
Height: 6’3
Position: SF
Experience: De La Salle Green Archers (UAAP), College of Saint Benilde Blazers (NCAA), Pampanga Lanterns (MPBL), Marikina Shomeasters (MPBL)
Strengths: Wing span, shooting, inside scoring
Accomplishments: 3×3 Batang Pinoy National Champion (2014), NCAA runner-up (2022), MPBL Preseason Invitational Champion (2024)
With Terrafirma looking to stockpile two-way players every chance they get, expect Miggy Cortez to get serious consideration with this pick. The former CSB Blazer can contribute in many ways to the Dyip’s improvement, including perimeter defense and off-ball movement.
16. CJ CATAPUSAN | Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
Hometown: Cebu
Age: 26
Height: 6’3
Position: SG/SF
Experience: Adamson Soaring Falcons (UAAP), UP Fighting Maroons (UAAP), Iloilo United Royals (MPBL)
Strengths: Athleticism, size, strength, transition
Accomplishments: UAAP Champion (2022), CESAFI Mythical Five
RoS can add even more depth to their forward rotation by drafting CJ Catapusan, a hard-nosed forward who crashes the boards with gusto and is capable of finishing in traffic. Expect Coach Yeng to incessantly yell “Itira mo!” to maximize Catapusan’s high-arching jumpshot.
RELATED: Nelle, Cansino, Catapusan, Garcia join PBA Draft
17. GERMY MAHINAY | Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
Hometown: Sison, Pangasinan
Age: 26
Height: 6’6
Position: C
Experience: UST Growling Tigers (UAAP), NU Bulldogs (UAAP), Quezon Huskers (MPBL), Zamboanga Master Sardines (MPBL), Negros Muscavados (MPBL)
Strengths: Size, physicality, midrange jumper
Standing at 6-foot-6 and built like a tank, Germy Mahinay has both the height and the width to become a reliable bruiser in the PBA. Playing for both Aldin Ayo and Jeff Napa has equipped Mahinay with a jumper that makes him a nice pick-and-pop option.
18. MIKE MALONZO | NLEX Road Warriors
Hometown: Mexico, Pampanga
Age: 24
Height: 6’2 ½
Position: SF
Experience: NUNS Bullpups (UAAP), NU Bulldogs (UAAP)
Strengths: Inside scoring, shot selection, rebounding
Accomplishments: UAAP Juniors runner-up (2017, 2018)
One of the many steady hands produced by the outstanding NU program, Mike Malonzo is well-equipped to be a dependable rotation player for the Road Warriors. In particular, his high IQ and tenacity on the boards will make Jong Uichico happy.
19. DJ MITCHELL | Converge FiberXers
Hometown: New York, USA
Age: 24
Height: 6’0
Position: SG
Experience: Hartford Hawks (NCAA Division III), Manila Batang Sampaloc (MPBL)
Strengths: Shooting, speed, inside scoring
Accomplishments: DI Tournament first round (US NCAA)
The FiberXers need more scoring punch in their backcourt, and DJ Mitchell would be happy to oblige. A former Hartford Hawk who tasted DI tournament action in the US NCAA, Mitchell would make a great backcourt tandem with fellow lights-out shooter Aljun Melecio.
20. JOHN LAWRENCE UDUBA | Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
Birthplace: Cabanatuan City
Height: 6’4
Position: SF
Experience: Olivarez College Sea Lions (NCRAA), La Union PAOwer (MPBL), Parañaque Patriots (MPBL)
Strengths: Wing span, size, speed, rebounding
Accomplishments: NCRAA Champion (2018)
John Uduba’s name might not ring many bells among the general PBA audience, but this freak athlete from Olivarez College is about to turn a lot of heads. This 6-foot-4 forward is a project, sure, but the finished output is a scary prospect that can rebound, run, and dunk on unsuspecting defenders.
21. MARK NONOY | Converge FiberXers
Hometown: La Carlota, Negros Occidental
Age: 23
Height: 5’9
Position: PG
Experience: UST Growling Tigers (UAAP), De La Salle Green Archers (UAAP), Iloilo United Royals (MPBL)
Strengths: Speed, transition, shooting
Accomplishments: UAAP Champion (2023), UAAP runner-up (2019), UAAP Rookie of the Year (2019), Palarong Pambansa semifinals (2018)
Two years after the inception of the FiberXers, the Aldin Ayo homecoming continues as Mark Nonoy is next in line to rejoin his former mentor. Between Nonoy’s stints in UST (where Ayo coached him) and DLSU (where he won a UAAP title), his calling card remained the same: unbelievable speed like your internet service provider.
RELATED: UAAP champion Mark Nonoy joins 2024 PBA Draft
22. JORDAN BARTLETT | Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
Hometown: Hagerstown, Maryland, USA
Age: 24
Height: 5’10
Position: PG
Experience: Washington DC Juvi Team (North American Basketball Association), NU Bulldogs (UAAP), De La Salle Green Archers (UAAP)
Strengths: Ball handling, speed, outside shooting
Accomplishments: UAAP Last One Standing Champion (2018), WBAC All-Star Game MVP (2016), North American Basketball Association Champion (2014)
Coach Tim Cone is in constant need of playmakers who can launch pinpoint passes, which happens to be a key strength of Jordan Bartlett. After playing high school ball in Maryland, the spitfire guard spent one season apiece at NU and La Salle. Though he stands a shade under six feet, Bartlett has an array of ball-handling tricks that can lull opposing guards to sleep.
23. FRANCIS ESCANDOR | Meralco Bolts
Hometown: Davao
Age: 25
Height: 6’2
Position: SG
Experience: De La Salle Green Archers (UAAP), Strong Group (Dubai Invitational), Manila Stars (MPBL)
Strengths: Spot-up shooting, crunch-time experience
Accomplishments: UAAP Champion (2023), Dubai Invitational silver medalist (2024)
A former champion with the DLSU Green Archers, Francis Escandor is a plug-and-play guard who can make defenders pay for leaving him open on the perimeter. In next to no time, he’ll be a favorite target of Chris Newsome when the Finals MVP draws multiple bodies in the paint.
RELATED: Patience pays off: Francis Escandor’s basketball journey
24. DIDAT HANAPI | Converge FiberXers
Hometown: Zamboanga City
Age: 22
Height: 6’2
Position: SG
Experience: Adamson Soaring Falcons (UAAP), Manila Stars (MPBL)
Strengths: Outside shooting, inside scoring, transition
Accomplishments: UAAP Final Four (2022), MILO SBP-Passerelle Champion (2016), MILO SBP-Passerelle MVP (2016)
Converge can close out the second round by adding to their arsenal of shooters. Didat Hanapi brings both outside sniping and slashing to the FiberXers, who are shaping up to be a high-octane offense. After three seasons as a trusted marksman of Nash Racela, Hanapi found a home with the Manila Stars in the MPBL.